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I just read this auto bio and David's from 2007. I will definately watch the PF with different eyes after reading their stories. She definately had a lot of patience dealing with Jack's crap. I wouldn't mind seeing her lesser known films as well. I story about her grandfather naming one of his beers after a patron's dog was cute. That is sad her first two boyfriends died young.

Have long been a fan of Shirley's and have long been smitten with her. However, much less so after reading this book. Although it is a fairly interesting book, I was disappointed she seemed hell-bent on dispersing with her virginal America's sweetheart persona and shared much more about her sexual preferences and experiences than I cared to know. There are some interesting tales of her time spent rubbing shoulders with other big Hollywood stars and also about her sudden rise to stardom but way TMI about her sexual escapades. Perhaps the editors encouraged her to spice it up a little in order to sell more copies; that seems to be common these days. Oh, well. I still love her, but I'll never look at her the same way again ever since she shared her personal masturbation techniques with us.

I am just old enough to remember lovely Shirley Jones as the Partridge Family mom. And, thanks to many '70s holiday TV presentations (and later cable and the TCM channel), I've also long admired her work and wholesome beauty in classic films like "Oklahoma," "Carousel," "The Music Man" and her stunning, Oscar-winning performance in "Elmer Gantry."
So, curious about her life and Hollywood career, I was eager to read this book.

What's that old maxim?
Be very careful what you wish for.

Because even in this over-sharing, no-holds-barred era, I found myself taken aback by some of the things Miss Jones revealed about her personal life; on the one hand I was fascinated by her matter-of-fact candidness; on the other, appalled at some of the things she felt compelled to share.

Did we really have to know quite so much about her sex life? And about the extent of her sexual "education," courtesy of first husband Jack Cassidy? Was it absolutely necessary to tell us not just how physically well endowed Cassidy was, but to also share that detail about her sons (including stepson, David Cassidy)? How did her family feel about all this upon publication? Or didn't that matter?

Speaking of Jack Cassidy, I found it hard to understand--I realize this is my issue, not hers--Shirley Jones's enduring love for him, a love that seemed to border on hero-worship even in the face of behavior you'd expect a sane and self-respecting woman to walk away from. She did, of course, eventually. But she sure put up with a lot before recognizing the need, for the health and safety of her sons if not herself, to separate from Cassidy once and for all. Throughout the book Jones describes herself as a rebel. But she behaved for a good part of her marriage like a classic Stepford Wife. She ignored or rationalized Cassidy's many betrayals and bizarre behavior with an almost surreal acceptance. And, though she is now happily married to comedian-producer Marty Ingels, Shirley tells us she loves Jack Cassidy to this day.

Maybe you had to know The Talented Mr. Cassidy to comprehend just what it was that so captivated Shirley Jones (and before her, dancer Evelyn Ward, mother of David). Certainly as an actor he could be compelling.
But it is not for nothing that Jack Cassidy remains best known for the dramatic and comedic roles in which he played smug and icily self-absorbed jerks, including his amusing guest appearance on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" as Hal, the narcissistic brother of WJM's boorish anchorman Ted Baxter. The Baxter role was created with Cassidy in mind and initially offered to him; Jones speculates he turned it down because the vain Ted came "too close to the bone."

Excellent, frank and candid book - a real page turner in which Ms. Jones makes you feel as if she's talking directly to the reader. Revealing her helpless, undying and (nearly) unconditional love for the charming yet troubled (and doomed) Jack Cassiidy is truly a tribute to the mystery of love. Equally touching is her deep, committed love for her second and current husband, Marty Ingels. A triumph.

21scotty
May 06, 2014

What a trashy legacy to leave behind. I am embarrassed for this woman. Her children must be mortified, especially her step-son David. A totally co-dependent and attention seeking personality.

One of my favourite actresses, but did not like the book. All about her active sex life with both of her husbands, and lots of name dropping. Richard Burton and Warren Beatty both hit on her. I wonder if her children have read this book.